MCA: Dr M tearing nation apart with planned Bumiputra-only party

(MMO) – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is dividing the nation with the formation of his Bumiputra-only political party, MCA claimed today.

The party’s Religious Harmony Secretary, Chris Daniel Wong said that Dr Mahathir, despite commanding respect for his contribution to developing the country is still steadfast in his “divide and conquer strategy”.

“A man so respected by Malaysians for his enormous contribution to our nation’s economic growth back in the 1980s and 1990s, he remains a person displaying his racial trait. This divide and conquer strategy never seems to depart from the respected statesman.

“Precisely now the Chinese community should have seen enough. The intention and thoughts of forming a new single-race-based political party is only seen to tear this nation apart further in an age where race-based politics do not appeal to the majority of the electorates especially the Gen-Y,” Wong said in a statement issued today.

He also called on the people to “not be fooled” by Dr Mahathir’s new political party, claiming that it does not serve to unite the communities.

“Racism is back in a new form and the people should be wise to discern and reject it at the first opportune,” he added.

Last month, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim suggested that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin be made Opposition Leader and Prime Minister-designate, saying that he had sources confirming that the former deputy prime minister will become president of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s new “all Malay/Bumiputera party”.

Earlier in July, Dr Mahathir confirmed that he will be a founding member of a new political party that will ally with Pakatan Harapan to ensure straight fights against the BN ruling coalition in the coming general elections.

The party reportedly would only register Malay and/or Bumiputera members.

Malaysiakini reported that Dr Mahathir would serve as the party’s chairperson while Muhyiddin, Gabungan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia (GKCM) president Kamarul Azman Habibur Rahman and former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir will act as the party’s president, secretary and treasurer, respectively, he said.

Other committee members include former Langkawi Wanita Umno leader Anina Saadudin, former Bendang Baru Umno Youth chief Akhramsyah Sanusi and student group Challenger leader Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman.